The Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science & Research and the Upper Austrian government are providing funding to once again offer the JKU Science Holidays program at the Johannes Kepler University Linz. Between July 19 and August 13, over 600 children between the ages of six and fourteen can spend part of their summer vacation diving into the world of science at the JKU campus, taking part in workshops that support a healthy interest in science by giving kids a chance to do fun, interactive learning activities. Sign up now at: jku.at/scienceholidays, opens an external URL in a new window.

Build rocket cars, discover collapsible smartphones, learn Chinese, take part in a virtual brain operation, or try out soccer training! Once again, this year's JKU Science Holidays program offers a diverse program of classes for children and teens between the ages of six and fourteen. In small groups of fifteen, kids will take part in age-appropriate “KidsLabs”, discovery workshops, and excursions. Trained educators and JKU workshop leaders will supervise 150 children per week (a total of 600 children in a four-week period) from Monday to Thursday between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, and on Fridays between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM.

Funding has been generously provided for the JKU Science Holidays program by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science & Research and the Upper Austrian government.

Heinz Faßmann, Minister of Education, remarked: "All children should experience a special summer this year. The JKU is contributing by organizing the Science Holidays program and, at the same time, helping families with childcare needs during the summer holidays. Sparking an interest in science at a young age also pays off later when these little scientists grow up to become big scientists. I would like to thank the JKU and Rector Lukas for organizing the program."

Christine Haberlander, Deputy Governor and Secretary of Education, once again supports the JKU program and emphasized: "During the summer in particular, it can be challenging for parents to balance work responsibilities and childcare. I am very pleased that the JKU has put together a supplementary program that is not only innovative and multidisciplinary, it gives our children access to science in a playful way."

JKU Rector Meinhard Lukas is pleased that the JKU can once again offer the Science Holidays program: "Many children have gone through months of remote learning and have missed physical contact with their friends. At the same time, we understand that over the past few months, many parents have been doubly burdened by not only having to work from home, but also supervise children who had to attend school online. The JKU Science Holidays programs provides a high-quality, fun and exciting childcare program during the summer holiday. This will help parents and will be fun for the children. I would like to thank the Federal Ministry of Education, Science & Research as well as the state of Upper Austria for once again making this possible."

He added: "I truly hope that many children will take part in the JKU Science Holidays program to not only discover the world of science through play, but also liven up the JKU campus in a special way during the summer months."

To take part in the JKU Science Holidays program, parents are asked to pay a one-time contribution of € 50 per child for the entire week, including meals. Rector Lukas added: "However, a child’s education and curiosity, as well as a desire to learn, should not depend on a parent’s wallet so we will be offering a scholarship to allow 25 children per week to take part in the JKU summer program free of charge."

Children (or parents) can sign up now until June 27 at: jku.at/scienceholidays, opens an external URL in a new window

Quick Facts:

• Time Period: one week each between July 19 and August 13, 2021
• 150 children per week - a total of 600 children over a four-week period
• Full-time childcare (including meals): Monday to Thursday 8.00 AM - 4.00 PM and Friday 8.00 AM -12.00 PM
• Each child can attend for a maximum of 1 week and will be assigned to a group for the entire week
• Small groups of no more than 15 children in four different age groups, ranging from ages 6 to 7, 8 to 9, 10 to 11, and 12 to 14.
• Trained educators and students in teacher training programs will supervise the children during the week. Students in teaching training programs will care for the children during workshops, breaks, and will also develop programs and workshop content together with the children.
• If there are more children registered than spots available in the program, spots in the program will be allocated by lottery.
• Parent contribution: € 50 per child for the entire week, incl. lunch (Mon - Thurs)
• 100 children will be eligible to take part for free through a scholarship (25 spots per week)

Covid-19 Safety Protocols:

Due to the currently low rate of infection in Upper Austria and the current state of affairs, the JKU Science Holidays program will be feasible in summer. Everyone taking part in the program will be asked to adhere to the JKU’s safety protocols (i.e. wearing a face mask and “3-G” rule) as specified by the federal government and the state of Upper Austria.

In addition: Groups will be small in size and groups may not mix with other groups. The lunch schedule will be staggered, hand sanitizer dispensers will be available, supervisors will be instructed to air rooms out regularly and wash the children's hands regularly. A guidance (one-way) system will be implemented at the Meeting Point in Science Park 1.